Thursday, December 4, 2014

Long Time No Post

I am in awe of artists who manage to keep blogs updated while showing up on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and I'm sure there are others... It's really difficult for me to find the time to not only put my own art out there but also to look at the work done by my fabulous art friends.

Since I last posted, my work has evolved entirely and most every spare minute is spent in the studio. In September I made my biannual trip to Saluda for a workshop with Wan Marsh at Random Arts. Spending several days (yes, it was a two day workshop but required 5 days' stay) with Jane Powell, and in the company of wonderful artists is my manna, sanity, respite.

I had a chance to spend some time with Wan and quickly found that we are kindred spirits. She's amazing and her teaching methods are extremely accessible. In the workshop I used her techniques but with entirely different results. That is the true goal of workshops - not to recreate the instructor's work but to branch out and open the wondrous door of discovery. So, thirty paintings later, I'm still wandering...

I hope you are in good health, spirits and creating as often as possible, ie, instead of doing dishes or dusting. Those things will always be there, unlike the urge and ability to capture creativity, my life goal. Blessings to you!

This piece is part of a series I did called 'Sistahs' based on the serendipitous, deeply gratifying relationships that deepen our lives if we remain open...

I hope zillions of people read your description of how workshops ought to work, absorbing new information, honing new skills and creating original art, not copies. Thirty paintings later...remarkable. xo

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Thanks for Visiting

The renovated attic in our old brick four-square has been a haven since an auto-immune illness interrupted life as I knew it. I embarked upon this journey according to the old saying that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, or, well, art. I took that to heart and I've been painting more days than not and I've appreciated each step of this journey - the breath, substance and core of my soul. I've been at it long enough to have acquired the gift of diving in, headfirst, no longer any fear of the blank canvas. Though writing and photography have been lifelong passions I have an infinite appreciation for process, painting, discovery.

My hours in the studio answer this question: What happens when one life ends? Just like the caterpillar at that stage of the journey, you sprout new wings.

Inspiration

There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.